RICHMOND – Heavy snow has increased in intensity this afternoon and is pounding the northern half of Virginia, making for extremely treacherous road conditions. The storm has impacted all regions of the state where up to three feet is expected in Northern Virginia alone before snow should taper off at midnight tonight.

They are making continuous passes on major roads, interstates and primary roads, to keep them passable. With snow falling at a rapid rate, snow accumulates quickly on the roads between plow passes.

What’s good to know now:

Motorists are urged to stay off roads through the rest of today, tonight and tomorrow so crews can plow more quickly and get the roads in better shape. Tonight, visibility will be an issue with high winds and drifting snow.

Even when the snow stops and the weather is expected to clear tomorrow, snow removal will be very extensive through the week

Interstate and primary roads are mostly in moderate condition (heavy snow pack), with the worst conditions from Richmond to Northern Virginia.

Secondary roads and subdivision streets are in moderate to severe condition (heavy snow covered and could be partially blocked)

If residents have a serious emergency (i.e. medical or fire), they should call 9-1-1 and VDOT will work in coordination with emergency responders to get them the help they need.

During the height of the storm, crews are focused on plowing interstate and primary roads. Once the snow stops and the major roads are in better condition, then crews can focus more on secondary and subdivision streets. Crews are expected to make at least one pass on these roads early next week. Crews have been able to make some passes on many secondary roads this weekend. Even when subdivision streets are plowed, they will be snow and ice covered until the weather gets warm enough to help break up the snow and ice.

Information in VDOT news releases was accurate at the time the release was published. For the most current information about projects or programs, please visit the project or program Web pages. You may find those by searching by keyword in the search Virginia DOT box above.

FYI

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